As many of you are aware, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Houston a couple of weeks ago, causing widespread damage. Our host hotel, Omni Westside in Katy, was not spared and the ground floor did take on some water. While closed for repairs, they currently expect to reopen 1 October, well in advance of our scheduled 2017 Conference.
The Conference Committee, the Executive Committee, and members of the TxSGS Board have discussed our options over the past week or so. We feel that canceling the conference would be the simplest choice. But, we more strongly feel that moving forward is the right course to take. If the hotel and surrounding area are open and ready for business, we can be there to support that resiliency, if even in a small way.
We will have a final assessment from the Omni on Friday, 15 September 2017 as to their status and their confidence in making their 1 October reopen date. Those traveling by air may wish to delay making reservations until then. It is safe to make hotel reservations at the Omni as they may be canceled without penalty, should that need arise.
Due to this situation, the following deadlines have been extended until Friday, October 6, 2017:
- Early Bird Conference Registration rates…Register today!
- Conference discounted hotel reservations…Book your room today!
Thank you for your professionalism, your patience, and your support of TxSGS and our community. I look forward to seeing you in Houston in October.
Randy Whited
TxSGS President
2017 Conference Chair
- TxSGS 2017 Conference Cancelled Due to Hurricane Harvey Damage - September 18, 2017
- TxSGS 2017 Conference & Hurricane Harvey Update - September 11, 2017
- 2016 Family History Conference Wrap Up from the TxSGS President - December 5, 2016
Hi Randy,
Is the vendor Registration time limit extended too?
Yes, vendor registration is now open until spaces are filled.
I was told by the hotel that they would not open again until at least November 1. It was also reported that they took on water on the second floor. More was reported, but I will not say more here. You may email me, and I will give you my phone number. I was looking forward to this conference, but the only way that I could come at this point would be with a scholarship. ~Carlotta
Carlotta:
We have been in frequent communication with our contacts at the Omni Westside in Katy, the conference hotel. While their sister property in downtown Houston did sustain quite a bit of damage and is not expected to open before 1 November, there was minimal impact to our hotel. There has been a conflation of the two properties in media reports and by Omni corporate that has led to the confusion that the Omni Westside will not be open for our conference. While other unforeseen issues could arise, we are currently moving forward with the TxSGS 2017 Conference. Please feel free to contact me at president@txsgs.org with any questions or concerns. Thanks.
Thank you for the corrected information.